Are IEMs Good for Gaming?

Wait – IEMs for Gaming?

When people think of gaming audio, they usually picture big over-ear headsets with surround sound and boom mics. But what about IEMs? Can those tiny in-ears really compete when it comes to immersive gameplay and positional accuracy? Maybe you don't even need to look on your screen while playing, when wearing IEMs... Let's find out.

The short answer: yes – but it depends on the tuning!

What Matters in Gaming Audio?

Let’s break down what gamers actually need from their audio gear:

• Imaging – the ability to place sounds accurately in the stereo field (e.g. footsteps behind you, gunshots far right)
• Soundstage – how “wide” and three-dimensional the audio feels
• Detail retrieval – subtle audio cues like reloads, footsteps, or environmental sounds
• Clarity over boom – clean treble is often more useful than overpowering bass

What Makes a Good Gaming IEM?

Surprise: It's not the ones with the most bass. While rumble might feel cool in explosions, it can mask the important stuff. A solid gaming IEM usually has:

• Clear upper mids and treble to catch details
• Fast, tight bass – not boomy or bloated
• Good imaging – usually a result of well-placed drivers and balanced tuning
• Wide-ish soundstage – not easy for IEMs, but some do it well

When IEMs Actually Win

Here’s where IEMs shine compared to headsets:

• Precision: Good IEMs often have better driver quality than budget gaming headsets
• Noise isolation: Great for LAN parties or shared spaces
• Portability: Easy to use with handheld consoles, laptops, or Steam Deck
• Clarity: Audiophile-grade IEMs often reveal more detail than most gaming cans

Some Examples

Just so you know where to look, here are a few IEMs that work surprisingly well for gaming:

• Dunu SA6 MK2 – engaging but detailed
• Moondrop Blessing 2 – neutral-bright, clean imaging
• Truthear Zero: Red – controlled subbass, good width
• Etymotic ER2SE – pinpoint mids, excellent separation
• Sennheiser IE600 – very resolving, natural stage

Where IEMs Fall Short

Of course, they’re not perfect:

• Limited soundstage – can’t match open-back headphones
• No built-in mic – you’ll need an external solution
• Comfort over long sessions varies a lot by fit and tips

Bottom line: It’s a tradeoff

IEMs can absolutely work for gaming – and in many cases outperform budget headsets. But they require careful selection and sometimes a compromise or two.

So ask yourself:

• Do I value detail and accuracy over cinematic bass?
• Do I need something portable and discreet?
• Can I live without a built-in mic?

If yes, gaming with IEMs might be your next upgrade.